Bulbine Natalensis
OTHER NAME(S): Broad-leaved bulbine, Geelkopieva, Ibhucu, Ingcelwane, Rooiwortel, Bulbine natalensis, Bulbine latifolia
Overview
Bulbine natalensis is a succulent plant that grows in parts of South Africa. The root, leaf, and stem are used as medicine.
Bulbine natalensis seems to increase levels of testosterone and other hormones. This might affect sexual function and fertility.
People use Bulbine natalensis for muscle strength, sexual arousal, diarrhea, diabetes, and many other purposes, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.
Bulbine natalensis root obtained from open street markets in South Africa might be contaminated with high amounts of aluminum and iron. Contaminated products might cause serious side effects.
Uses
We currently have no information for Bulbine natalensis overview.
Side Effects
When taken by mouth: There isn't enough reliable information to know if Bulbine natalensis is safe or what the side effects might be.
When applied to the skin: There isn't enough reliable information to know if Bulbine natalensis is safe or what the side effects might be.
Precautions
When taken by mouth: There isn't enough reliable information to know if Bulbine natalensis is safe or what the side effects might be.
When applied to the skin: There isn't enough reliable information to know if Bulbine natalensis is safe or what the side effects might be.
Pregnancy: Bulbine natalensis is possibly unsafe when taken by mouth during pregnancy. It might be toxic to the embryo or fetus. There isn't enough reliable information to know if it is safe when applied to the skin during pregnancy.
Breast-feeding: There isn't enough reliable information to know if Bulbine natalensis is safe when taken by mouth or applied to the skin while breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.
Surgery: Bulbine natalensis leaf might slow blood clotting. This might increase the risk of bleeding during and after surgery. Stop using Bulbine natalensis leaf at least 2 weeks before a scheduled surgery.
Interactions
Moderate Interaction
Be cautious with this combination
- Digoxin (Lanoxin) interacts with Bulbine natalensisBulbine natalensis stem may contain chemicals that are similar to the prescription drug digoxin. Taking Bulbine natalensis stem along with digoxin might increase the risk of side effects.
- Medications that slow blood clotting (Anticoagulant / Antiplatelet drugs) interacts with Bulbine natalensisBulbine natalensis leaf might slow blood clotting. Taking Bulbine natalensis leaf along with medications that also slow blood clotting might increase the risk of bruising and bleeding.
- Testosterone interacts with Bulbine natalensisBulbine natalensis stem might increase the amount of testosterone in the body. Taking Bulbine natalensis stem along with testosterone might increase the risk of side effects from testosterone replacement therapy.
- Medications changed by the liver (Cytochrome P450 1A2 (CYP1A2) substrates) interacts with Bulbine natalensisSome medications are changed and broken down by the liver. Bulbine natalensis stem might change how quickly the liver breaks down these medications. This could change the effects of these medications.
- Medications moved by pumps in cells (P-glycoprotein substrates) interacts with Bulbine natalensisSome medications are moved in and out of cells by pumps. Bulbine natalensis stem might change how these pumps work and change how much medication stays in the body. In some cases, this might change the effects and side effects of a medication.
- Medications changed by the liver (Cytochrome P450 2C9 (CYP2C9) substrates) interacts with Bulbine natalensisSome medications are changed and broken down by the liver. Bulbine natalensis stem might change how quickly the liver breaks down these medications. This could change the effects of these medications.
- Medications changed by the liver (Cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4) substrates) interacts with Bulbine natalensisSome medications are changed and broken down by the liver. Bulbine natalensis stem might change how quickly the liver breaks down these medications. This could change the effects of these medications.
Dosing
There isn't enough reliable information to know what an appropriate dose of Bulbine natalensis might be. Keep in mind that natural products are not always necessarily safe and dosages can be important. Be sure to follow relevant directions on product labels and consult a healthcare professional before using.
References
- Afolayan AJ, Yakubu MT. Effect of Bulbine natalensis Baker Stem Extract on the Functional Indices and Histology of the Liver and Kidney of Male Wistar Rats. J Med Food. 2009;12(4):814-820.
- Mbambo B, Odhav B, Mohanlall V. Antifungal activity of stigmasterol, sitosterol, and ergosterol from Bulbine natalensis Baker (Asphodelaceae). J Med Plants Res. 2012;6(38):5135-5141.
- Mosa RA, Lazarus GG, Gwala PE, Oyedeji AO, Opoku AR. In Vitro Anti-platelet Aggregation, Antioxidant and Cytotoxic Activity of Extracts of Some Zulu Medicinal Plants. J Nat Prod. 2011;4(2011):136-146.
- Okem A, Southway C, Stirk WA, et al. Heavy metal contamination in South African medicinal plants: A cause for concern. South African J Bot. 2014;93(2014):125-130.
- Yakubu MT, Afolayan AJ. Effect of aqueous extract of Bulbine natalensis Baker stem on haematological and serum lipid profile of male Wistar rats. Indian J Exp Biol. 2009;47(4):283-8.
- Yakubu MT, Afolayan AJ. Reproductive toxicologic evaluations of Bulbine natalensis Baker stem extract in albino rats. Theriogenology. 2009;72(3):322-32.
- Yakubu MT, Mostafa M, Ashafa AO, Afolayan AJ. Antimicrobial activity of the solvent fractions from Bulbine natalensis Tuber. Afr J Tradit Complement Altern Med. 2012;9(4):459-64.
- Yakubu MT, Afolayan AJ. Effect of aqueous extract of Bulbine natalensis (Baker) stem on the sexual behaviour of male rats. Int J Androl. 2009;32(6):629-36.
- Yakubu MT, Afolayan AJ. Anabolic and androgenic activities of Bulbine natalensis stem in male Wistar rats. Pharm Biol. 2010;48(5):568-76.
- Husain I, Manda V, Alhusban M, et al. Modulation of CYP3A4 and CYP2C9 activity by Bulbine natalensis and its constituents: An assessment of HDI risk of B. natalensis containing supplements. Phytomedicine 2021;81:153416.
- Oyedemi SO, Atanes P, Aiyegoro OA, Amoo SO, Swain SS, Persaud SJ. In vitro profiling and functional assessments of the anti-diabetic capacity of phenolic-rich extracts of Bulbine natalensis and Bulbine frutescens. Diabet Med 2021;e14770.
- Husain I, Dale OR, Manda V, et al. Bulbine natalensis (currently Bulbine latifolia) and select bulbine knipholones modulate the activity of AhR, CYP1A2, CYP2B6, and P-gp. Planta Med 2022;88(12):975-984.